A/N: With a big exhale and a thank fuck, I mark this complete. SagaDevotee & Gjficfan, no words can express my gratitude. Bigger a/n at the end.

All things Twilight are the property and ownership of S. Meyers. I make no money from my obsession.

Chapter 6: The Heat - CPOV

I had never felt so liberated before in my life. Grand gestures, declarations of love, even if only to myself. I was a new man. I just had to get through this night and get everything my heart wanted. First, I had to figure out what in the hell I was going to wear to this party. Esme was going to be no help as she was spending the evening with Masterson. I thought of possibly asking Aro, but as I walked past his room, it sounded like he and Jacob were having a pre-show countdown to the evening.

No one was going to be able to help me be me. So I just rolled with my gut, something I should have been trusting from the start. I took a shower before it got too close to party time. I left my hair to do whatever the hell it did when I didn't decide to style it like I was eighty. I grabbed my jeans that Esme said made me look like I had "ass for days". I had no idea what that meant, but I figured it was something appealing. I wanted to be relaxed, but Edward had seen all the shirts I had here in my closet.

An hour later, I still hadn't found one and my room and closet were a mess. I could hear the music starting up next door and knew that Felix was starting the tattoos for the new pledges. I didn't want to miss this, but I was still warring over what to wear.

"For the love of Christ, Carlisle! Just pick one!"

I turned to see my devoted brother and friend, Aro glaring at me.

"Help," I said, giving him my best pout.

He gave an exasperated huff and went to my dresser and fished through some of my older shirts. I knew they were smaller and didn't bother to look. Aro tossed me one and I caught the black shirt before it could hit me in the face.

"Aro, those are all too small," I whined.

"Exactly! Show off that body you worked so hard for. Fitting, wouldn't you say?"

I straightened out the shirt and snorted at what it said in bold white letters:

"I'm confused,

oh wait,

maybe I'm not."

I slid the shirt over my head and followed Aro next door to Felix's. Jacob was getting his coat of arms tattoo on his lower abdomen, right above his, well, his…

"Having it that low and close to your cock Jake, you'll have to watch how you jack off," Felix said calmly.

The room was silent before we all burst out laughing. Demetri was finishing off the other pledge as Edward pushed his way through the crowd. He said he was up next after Jake. He stood next to me, almost touching. I could practically feel the heat rolling off of him. It took everything within me not to drag him back to my room and have my way with him.

"Dr. Feelgood! You're up, bro," Felix shouted as he finished cleaning up Jacob's tatt.

Edward winked at me before walking off and slowing pulling his shirt over his head. His back muscles flexed as he moved and I wanted to run my hands down his back. He sat down in Felix's chair and pointed to his heart, telling Felix where he wanted it. Felix nodded and prepped the area. I couldn't help but taunt him a little.

"It's gonna hurt, Masen. Need someone to hold your hand?" I mocked.

The room broke out in laughter again.

"No, Big Brother Farmer," he laughed just as loud. "I'm a big boy, I can handle it."

The look he gave me was lustful and downright sinful. Oh how I knew he could handle it. He was the only one looking my way and I adjusted myself to show him how much he affected me. His eyes went wide and he licked his lips. Once I got rid of Seth, Edward could return the favor I gave him in the lab. His eyes locked back up with mine and I gave him my own smirk. Edward's head fell back to the chair and he stared at the ceiling.

I loved the fact that I still had that effect on him. I walked over to Aro to tell him of my plan for the night. I let him know that Edward was mine and I wanted no interruptions from his boy wonder. Jacob needed to be on a tight leash.

"Don't worry, I will have Jacob close all night," he mused.

As long as he kept Jacob from cockblocking me all night, we would be fine.

Two hours later all the tattoos were done and we started to get the rest of the party ready. Edward was on music again and I was hoping he had a few slow songs. I wanted to dance with him tonight, in the open.

The party was all set to go. The heat was on high to take the chill off the party-goers from the winter air. By 10, the party was roaring and I was able to leave my post at the door to go mingle. I had my eyes set on Edward who was switching off with another brother at the DJ table. I made my way towards him and almost reached him when I saw him get yanked into a hug by Seth. Jacob made his way over as well and I must have had steam coming out of my ear because Aro's eyes almost bugged out his head when he looked my way.

I went to grab a drink and saw Aro pull Jacob over to the drink table with me.

"Aren't they so cute together?" Jacob said and I knew who he meant.

"Jay, butt out!" Aro whisper yelled.

"I am, I am, Pookie, but look at them. That's how a real man treats someone he likes."

"Looks can be deceiving, Jacob. And 'Pookie', don't you have more food to put out," I replied at the both of them.

"Come Jay. Let's get more food."

I was reluctant to initiate things with Edward if Seth was here. I did not want to air out my feelings in front of a good portion of the student body. I was certainly not backing down, but needed another way to get to Edward without super-clingy Seth.

I looked across the room from where I first spotted them and they had left. I didn't have to search long for them, my body, eyes, honed in on Edward. They looked to be in a heated discussion with Edward shrugging off each of Seth's touches.

I didn't know what the hell was going on, but it was obvious by Edward's body language that he wasn't welcoming Seth's presence.

My how the mighty have fallen.

I made my way to the scene, but there were too many bodies in my pathway. I saw Seth grab Edward's wrist as he attempted to walk away. Edward looked dangerous, like a wild animal ready to shred his prey. I knew Edward didn't have a temper, but he looked like he had reached his limit. Not wanting him to get in trouble for kicking that jerk's ass, I pushed forward through the crowd. I was just about to them when someone else stepped in.

"Look, weasel dick. I think Edward told you to leave."

"Esme?!" I yelled happily.

"It's time for you to leave before you get your ass kicked!" Esme was pissed and Seth's smiling face was about to get rearranged.

"Carlisle, getting a woman to do your dirty work now? Who knew you really did prefer pussy," Seth taunted.

"Seth, dude. Don't be an ass. Maybe you should go."

I turned to see that Jacob and Aro had joined us as well. Jake attempted to usher his friend to the door.

"Not you too, Jakey," Seth whined.

"Dude, maybe you had one too many," Jacob said, this time pushing Seth toward the doors.

Seth ripped away from his grip, causing Jacob to lose his balance. I helped him up along with Edward, who I hadn't noticed was holding Esme back.

"I believe Edward asked you to leave," Esme barked.

"Fine, fine Platty. Don't want you running off to tattle on me with the dear professor. Do you kiss the dean with that mouth as well?"

This guy was just asking for it.

"Don't even, Clearwater. Back off, get out, or I will remind you of what happened last time you fucked with me."

"Oooooooooooo!" Aro chimed in, covering his mouth with his hand.

Seth face blanched at the memory, one which I will have to ask Esme about later.

"Fine. Fine. I'm leaving," Seth spoke and then turned to Edward. "Good luck, Edward. I hope you get what you played for."

He left, and everyone else that had noticed the altercation went about their way. Aro tugged Jacob away and onto the far corner of the dance floor. I was confused by his parting words. What did he mean by "played for"? I let it slide for the moment, more concerned about Edward.

"Edward, are you alright?" I asked, checking over his wrist where Seth had held him.

"I'm fine, Carlisle. I never dealt with a drunk Seth before. It was a little off-putting."

"Well, I have. The handsy bastard probably has my three inch heel imprint on his nut sack," Esme screamed.

We all laughed and I noticed that Edward was still a bit distracted. His eyes went to his wrist and back to me, in a repeating fashion. I looked down to see what his issue was. I hadn't noticed that subconsciously I was rubbing the redness on his wrist. I didn't let go once I recognized it. I tugged him closer to me and in that moment, I wanted to tell him everything. My breaths became a pant and the room was suddenly getting smaller.

I couldn't do it, I wanted to, but this was big. Edward just took my hand in his and gently swayed them. I calmed my breaths, relaxing slightly. A big whop from Esme startled me and brought me back to a normal state.

"It's my jam! Let's go boys!" She hollered, yanking both Edward and I onto the dance floor.

's "On the Floor" was blaring on the speakers as Edward and I sandwiched Esme. I bent down to her ear to ask what she was doing there. I knew she was supposed to be with Masterson.

"I was worried about you, about tonight. My darling professor didn't think I was any fun and practically shoved me out the door," she giggled.

"Remind me to get him a bottle of scotch," I said into her ear.

"Hell yeah!" She exclaimed, knowing she would probably be drinking most of it.

We were dancing, having a good time with Esme. Another fast tempo song started and Esme excused herself. She smooshed us together and we laughed at her antics. She saluted us and headed off the dance floor. I would definitely have to thank her with a Coach bag.

Edward and I danced awkwardly at first, but his hands at my hips caused me to become bolder. I swayed a little faster with him, taking him in my arms. I spun him around so that his back was to my chest and we rocked and gyrated to the tune of the song. We moved even closer as the next song started with a slow beat. I hooked my fingers in his belt hooks and straddled him over my leg. The lights were dim and the strobe lights flickered, but I still saw the fire in his eyes. So much had happened already. Would he fully accept me back? Would he be patient with me?

The song changed again and this time I picked up on it. It was The Daylights, "I Hope This Gets to You."

I've been searching for a couple words,

that could grow wings and fly like birds.

And of course I know that it sounds absurd,

but when you're in love all the lines get blurred.

His arms went around my neck and we began to sway once more. Our eyes locked and we lost ourselves in the moment. I leaned in closer, relishing the feel of him pressed up against me. My lips brush across his neck, my arms tightening around his waist. I needed to tell him everything. Most importantly, I needed to tell him that I love him.

"Edward… Edward, I…"

"WELCOME TO THE NU ALPHA TAU TATTOO PARTY!"

Demetri's loud voice echoed over the dimming music and suddenly I had one hundred and forty-two ways to kill him floating through my mind. The crowd cheered, of course. I looked back to Edward and the moment had been broken. Demetri called for all the new brothers to come up. He introduced them all and handed them all shots. God only knows what it was, but Edward would most likely be on his ass.

Tomorrow.

I would try again tomorrow. Tonight I was going to enjoy this night with him.

And enjoy the night we did. I lost count of how much Edward had to drink. He was wobbly on his feet and laughing at pretty much everything. I called it a night for the party around two in the morning. I left Edward propped against a wall talking to Jacob so I could kick out the last few party-goers. The house was a fucking mess, but we would all clean in the morning.

After removing the major messes and ridding the house of the guests, I went in search of Edward. I noticed his shoes from under the billiard table. He was using Jacob's ass a pillow. Aro took a picture on his phone and dragged Jacob out from under the table. I caught Edward's head with my foot before it hit the floor, glaring at Aro as he carried a drunken Jacob up to his room.

I slid Edward out slowly by his foot. The motion jostled him awake and he gave me the largest, drunk grin. It was absolutely adorable.

"C'mon Edward. Time for bed," I said while pulling him from the floor.

For the first time that night, I noticed he had a new tee on. It said, "Either You Like Bacon Or You're Wrong." So true on many things, Edward.

"Yep, yepity do. Beddddd timezzz fa meeee 'n youz," he slurred.

I simply chuckled and dragged him up to my room so I could keep an eye on him. He flopped down on the bed and he fell backwards, moaning as he settled into my sheets. I sighed, closing my eyes to calm myself. I then knelt to remove his shoes. Edward propped himself up on his elbows, smiling at me again.

"We seem to keep coming back to this point," I told him.

"'Dis time, know ya nots gonna kissz meeee," Edward slurred.

"God, I really wanted to do this when you were sober."

"But…but I 'ways likeds youz. So gorgeous, kind," he said, but then his brow furrowed. "Well, sometimes; You's a awesome teacher, patient with everybossy, 'cept you."

I tried to keep myself from blushing from his compliment, but I was too taken aback from it. I could feel my face heating up. Suddenly the thought of Seth came to mind, causing a flash of doubt.

"I bet Seth says the same about you," I added, testing to see what he would say.

Edward let out a deep laugh and I looked at him curiously. He ran his hand over his face and took a deep breath. It was too late and he was too drunk to be having this conversation, but I did not have the decency to stop him. I craved to know more.

"Seff… What a mistake! All Jake's idea. Mission 'Op…Op…Operation Farm the Farmer'."

Edward nodded, seemingly pleased with himself for getting it out. He then scooted up the bed to slide his jeans off. He crawled under my covers and noticed my flustered face. Was I some game to him?! What the hell was "Operation Farm the Farmer"?

"You's thinkin' too too much. I want ya, my closet dork."

I was confused and I knew I wasn't going much more from him. The yawn that came from him at that moment was proof of it. His eyes began to droop and he was still so beautiful. I was nervous though and I had to know.

"Was this some game to you?"

"Neva Carlish, 'splain 'morrow. Need youz, but need all in and out."

Then he giggled. Again I was staring at him trying to figure out what was so funny and what the hell that meant. Yet, I wanted him know something.

"What if I didn't want to be in the closet?"

"Wha if I wanted a purple unicorn? Sometimes, some crimes…wait..I mean some tings…can't happens. We hope…try be a lil'…patient," he said, his words getting slower and slower.

I sighed and walked over to my fridge to get him a bottle of water. I grabbed the bottle of aspirin as well. I placed them next to the bed and was about to go crash on my futon. I didn't want to be tempted to sleep in the bed with him. God knew I had only but so much restraint. Before walking away, I leaned down to kiss Edward on the forehead. His eyes fluttered back open.

"Sometimes all we need is someone to guide us," I softly said.

"Stay, please Carlish."

I nodded and waited. Edward rolled over, but shocked me by throwing my other pillow at me. He then tossed me my throw from the foot of my bed.

"We seem to be reenacting everything," Edward said, practically giggling the whole time.

"The Floor?!"

"The floor," he replied.

I grumbled as I made my spot there beside him. I chuckled as a poem came to mind and recited it for him.

"In thy clear eyes I descried, Many a proof of love, to-day, But to-night, those unbelied, Speechful eyes being gone away, There's the proof to seek, beside."

"Carrrlllissshhhh, too late for Browning," Edward groaned.

"Reenacting remember?" I said, peering up at Edward.

I was rewarded with another drowsy smirk before sleep fully claimed him.

Sleep evaded me as my mind warred. I was ready, I had thought. But being at the edge of this cliff, I wasn't so sure I was ready to jump. Peering up at Edward the way my heart beat a little faster just by looking at him, I knew I had to risk it. He was just what the doctor ordered. That was my last thought before tiredness took over and I dreamed of a life with Edward.

The sun was filtering in through my blinds and I could feel its warmth on my face. I could feel the ache in my back as I moved. Adding the futon cushion underneath me may have done more harm than good. I attempted to remain quiet as I stretched, but a soft snicker could be heard above me. I turned my head to see Edward peering over the edge of the bed, looking down at me. He was holding the water bottle I had left for him and I noticed it was nearly empty. He must have been up for a little while.

His green eyes were a bit bloodshot, but they shone full of life and something else I couldn't quite place. He slid further to the edge and reached down to me, tugging my collar. I moved closer to him, not want to get too close due to my horrendous morning breath. His was probably no better.

"Kiss me," Edward whispered, "Kiss me like you kissed me that night, here in your room."

Not one to leave such a request unanswered, I brought myself closer to him, not giving a damn about morning breath.

"In front of our brothers," Edward added.

My eyes widened as I gazed back at him. I saw his face begin to fall and I knew this was my only chance to have him. I breathed in and swallowed down the fear that had been rising up my chest.

"You don't go easy," I said, chuckling slightly.

"You want easy, you can date Aro."

"Point taken," I stated. "Purple unicorns, eh?"

"Why should I settle?" Edward asked, shrugging his shoulders and rolling to his back on the mattress. He sighed deeply and rolled back over to face me. "I want you, plain and simple. I know who you are deep down inside. And if it's a guide you need, then I'll be that for you. You just have to show me that you are not jerking me around."

That reminded me of Operation Farm the Farmer. I had to be sure that he wasn't the one jerking me around.

"I guess that goes for you as well. What was this operation you mentioned?"

Edward flopped back on the mattress and covered his face with my pillow. He reemerged with his bronze mane more tousled than I thought possible. I couldn't help but try to tame it, but it was to no avail. I let my hand fall down his face, to his reddened cheeks. In my heart I knew that he would not toy with me, but I still needed to know.

"Ugh! That was Jake's idea. He said you would be in the closet forever, that you needed a push. I was a moping mess and I couldn't function. I wanted you so much. In an effort to stop my moping, he came up with the idea of making you jealous, hence Seth."

A growl roared up my chest and I had the urge to hunt Jacob down and tear him to pieces.

"Of all the crazy damn ideas in his damn head. He came up with that?!" I yelled.

"Quiet down there, I'm still recovering. And it worked didn't it?" Edward said and he was right.

I did need a push and it did work. That didn't mean I had to like it.

"Seth was very into his…role," I grumbled.

"He hoped I would see him instead. He has never had someone to turn him down before. I promise you, I didn't do anything with him. He always caught me off guard with those kisses. I didn't like it. I love your kisses."

"They are pretty amazing, aren't they," I added, showing him a cheeky smile.

I forgave him, if there was anything to really forgive. I understood what he was trying to do. I was more at fault anyway.

"I am not asking you to throw a party. I just…I just don't want to be anyone's dirty little secret."

"I don't want you to be my secret either. I think I've had enough of those," I said.

I got up on my knees and took Edward's face into my hands.

"I…I love you, Edward. I love you and will do this for you. I need you."

His lips were on mine swiftly. They were demanding, claiming me in every press of his mouth to mine. Nothing of this kiss was soft or gentle. Edward grabbed at my shoulders and pulled me onto the bed with him. I broke the kiss, breathing deep before removing myself from the bed. There was no way I could focus and do what was needed if I was making out with him. I had found my courage. I needed to act now before I lost it.

"Let's go. Now. I want do this for you, for me."

I held out my hand for him. He smiled, taking my hand in his to tug him to his feet. I brought him closer to me for one more kiss, his body hard and lean, yet pliant for me. His hands wove their way into my hair as my own wrapped around his waist. This kiss was slower, filled with promise and hope. Edward's tongue reached out for mine and we kissed languidly, enjoying these last few moments. We slowed to a stop, our foreheads touching and our breath mixing.

"I think we have practiced enough," Edward spoke as a smile crept upon his face.

I simply nodded and took his hand in mine to head downstairs. It was almost one in the afternoon. It seemed like the entire house was up by now. I paused at the bottom step, right before entering the living room area. I let out one big gust of air and then breathed in again. Edward squeezed my hand and whispered in my ear.

"I got you, Farmer."

We could see most of the brothers were doing a half ass job of cleaning. The rest were still finding consciousness. There were even some stragglers doing a walk of shame. I cleared my throat loudly and immediately everyone turned to look our way. I noticed them going from Edward and mine's interlocked hands to my face, which had probably turned purple.

"Now or never Farmer," Edward stage-whispered.

I saw Aro dart away and then come back with a camera.

"Fuck!" I exclaimed.

I turned to Edward and all I saw was his love for me.

"I love you, Carlisle."

With those words, I brought the man I would forever love to me in a passionate kiss. My hands clutched his face and brought him closer, losing myself in him again. He let me lead and I took control in earnest, enjoying the way he moaned into the kiss, the way his fingers gripped my back, the way his body leaned into mine. I knew we both needed to breathe, but my tongue wanted his. Edward didn't deny me either. I was lost in him once again.

My hands reached down to cup his ass and I saw the tell-tale sign of a flash going off behind my closed eyelids. The sound of cat-calls, whistles, and claps was heard throughout the frat. I opened my eyes to see my frat brothers cheering for us, for me. Poor Aro was a crying mess in Jacob's arms. Edward and I both blushed and tucked ourselves closer to each other.

"Wow!" I said.

"I second that," Edward replied.

"Heck, I third it," someone else said.

"Well it's about damn time!" a voice shouted from the couch.

It was Peter, a senior here at the fraternity, whose name was "Old Guy". He was usually very quiet, so it was a shock to us all to see him so verbose. He stood up and tossed his mug in the sink, nearly shattering it. He began muttering as he made his way past us.

"Been waiting for you two to figure this shit out long time ago," he grumbled, "…waited all century, knowing good and well ya'll both like each other.

Peter's voice drifted off again as he stomped up the stairs.

"We don't care. This is a respected frat!" he bellowed. "…no bias dammit. Wasting all this ti.." His voice disappeared as we heard his door slam close.

"Dude, I have been high all six years I've been here, but even I could see Esme has been with Masterson for the last 4 years," said Jasper, another brother I could've sworn had graduated last year.

Everyone burst out laughing and I couldn't stop gaping at them. They were all nodding their heads in agreement to how obvious we had been. I felt a finger touch my chin, helping me to close my mouth. I looked to its owner and Edward was grinning wide. I had nothing to worry about. These were the people that mattered to me. I knew my father would be difficult and there would be others that wouldn't be accepting, but as long as I had my Edward, it would be worth it.

"Now get your asses cleaning. This place is a sty," Aro said, handing us a broom and mop.

We got to work cleaning and soon enough the day was over and the house was sparkling. I wanted to get some alone time with Edward, but just wanted to talk. I knew I would

not be able to resist him long, but we should slow down…just a little. I told him to dress warmly and to meet me on the roof. Not many of us came up as we didn't want some drunk idiot to fall off. It wasn't a far fall, but enough to break something.

"Jesus, Carlisle! If you want hypothermia that's fine, but my nuts are not freezing to death," Edward grumbled.

He was wearing his winter coat, hat, scarf, and bacon mittens. He was absolutely adorable. I brought him close to me for a kiss. I started a fire in the pit we kept up here. I also had warm apple cider and blankets. Sitting down in the lounge chair, I tapped in between my legs for Edward to sit. I pulled the blanket up over us and handed him his thermos of cider.

"The royal treatment Carlisle, I feel so special," he said.

I wrapped my arms around him and peered up into the night sky. It was a clear night, which was odd for this time of year. How much of a fool I had been. So much time wasted when I could have been with him. I shook my head, dismissing those negative thoughts. I had him now and I would do my damndest to keep him.

"This is it for me Edward. You can feel that right. I know that it might sound crazy, but I love you. There is no one I could ever love like I love you," I spoke earnestly.

"It's a little scary, but good scary. Ya know?"

I hummed in agreement and brought my arms tighter around him. It was amazing how just over a few days, I had gained such clarity.

"It's a good start. I definitely feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."

"Thank you for giving this a chance."

"I was so wrong before Edward. You were worth the dive."

"It's about time you took the plunge," he said, turning in my arms to kiss me. "Now let's get back inside. It's fucking cold out here and it's starting to snow."

He helped me put the fire out and we gathered all of our things. He rushed back inside exclaiming how his nuts were frozen and I had better warm them up. So much for slow.

From the front lawn, I heard shouting. I peered over to see what was going on.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I MISSED THEIR COMING OUT?! I have been his best friend since birth. I should have gotten a call or text. A smoke signal! SOMETHING DAMMIT!"

I vowed to make sure Esme knew to call first before coming over. There was warming up to do and her visit would most likely delay our…efforts.

I couldn't hold back the smile on my face as Edward came out and hugged her. His hands then began moving wildly, no doubt explaining everything that happened. Esme clapped her hands in merriment. It was good to see them get along so well. Esme tucked her arm in Edward's as he escorted her into the house. I ran swiftly to go meet them, hung up my coat, and then sat next to Edward. He was in fact retelling the night's events. He looked back to me in between Esme's "And then what happened"s and smiled wide. I reached for his hand and held it tight in mine.

I would be happy with me and everything that entailed. I would no longer hold back and live life in fear. I wouldn't hide any part of me and I'd love me for me. Most importantly, I'd have Edward by my side, being my guide through this. I'd do my damnedest to make sure he never doubted my feelings for him. I made this pledge to myself, for myself, and I would not falter.

THE END

A/N: Thanks so much to all of you who stuck with me. I appreciate your patience with giving me the time to finish this story. It was supposed to be just a one shot, but it kept going. I am glad I was able to get all of Carlisle's thoughts out. It was always his story; Edward just gave us the jumpstart.

SagaDevotee, BB, you rock. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for sticking around and listen to me whine about not being able to get to my computer to write. You are my trifecta: pre-reader, beta, avid fangirl. Lubs ya much

Gjficfan, thanks for being that ace in the hole with this last chapter. Your cheers have been received, used, and thrown back into my writing. So I have to say that my readers should definitely go check out your fics. WELL WORTH IT my friends.

Upcoming fics: Well, Marcus is talking and I am now 1100 words deep in getting A Six Foot Request wrapped up. Who knows what's after that. *hugs*